stolen car recovered (ignition switch broken)

Some A--hole stole My Daughters 1995 Honda Civic Dx
The good news is that they found the car 2 weeks later ( in Milpitas )
the bad news is the thief's broke the ignition switch to hot wire it
any Idea what is involved with this kind of repair ?
the towing guy said, he thought we would have to replace the steering
column.
and that that was about $2,000
what if I just replace the ignition switch
I mean does the steering column lock make a critical difference?

anyone know what is involved in hot wiring this car???

any help would be appreciated

 

So...there's the real question...

 

@earthlink.net:

Why don't you ask the local baker what he thinks? Better yet, why don't
you call Honda?

My 88 Accord had the ignition broken out (by would be thieves - they
were chased off), Honda fixed it for under $300 but that was around 10
years ago. They did not need to replace the steering column.

 

I advise you to take it to the Honda Dealership and get an estimate. They
should be able to tell you whether or not the steering column needs to be
replaced. If it does, it may be possible to get an entire steering column
with a different key than you one you have from a junk yard. Many junk
yards are now on a special junk yard computer network. They can get it
from another junk yard if they don't have one on the lot.

 

If it's anything like a Toyota, the lock cylinder is a separate item and can
be removed/replaced without too much difficulty.

 

Yeah,but he's still stuck with different keys for the ignition and door
locks,no matter which way he goes. PITA.

Death to Midnite Auto!

 

Glad your daughter got her car back. The ignition switch assembly is about
$250-300. You can get a locksmith to re-key the ignition before you install
it for about $20-40. Depending on how much damage was done, you can
reconnect the ignition harness to the switch. Usually they break the
ignition assembly with a crowbar to disable steering lock, then stick a
screwdriver into the keyhole to start it. Also if you do plan on re-keying,
use a good key, if you have to, have the dealer make you a new master key
from your VIN.

The steering/ignition lock assembly has break off bolts, so once it's locked
in the head break off. The main collar is made of cast aluminum. If you
put enough pressure on the steering wheel while the locking mechanism is
engaged it will break.

I'll be happy to help if you have any questions.

JW

 

Our '91 Accord was stolen many years ago. The ignition was yanked out of
it, but the steering column was not replaced and we use the same keys.
Insurance paid for it, so do not know the cost. The good news is the
thieves got it stuck in mud a few miles from anywhere, and probably had to
walk home on a cold night.

- Phil

 

The locks can be rekeyed to match each other, if it bothers him.

Norm

 

right, it will cost around $20 to rematch the key to the doors lock